Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-21 at 00:02

HEADLINESIDF 7th Brigade breaches Litani approachTrump rejects Hormuz fee; Iran demands oneFinal suspect indicted in Melbourne synagogue arsonThe time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, Trump says there will be no Strait of Hormuz fee. Iran insists there will be.President Trump says there will be no Strait of Hormuz fee, while Iranian officials say there will be one.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, How the IDF's 7th Armored Brigade breached the path to the Litani River in Lebanon - interviewIn his first major reflection following intense combat operations in southern Lebanon, Colonel Shaul Yisraeli described the unprecedented engineering breakthroughs and shifting battlefield dynamics his forces faced. Speaking prior to the recent ceasefire, Yisraeli revealed how his brigade breached strategic pathways to the Litani River while neutralizing massive subterranean “cities of refuge” constructed by Hezbollah over the last two decades. He selected the most experienced heavy engineering equipment operators to breach routes en route to the Litani River, a mission described as one of the most complex ground maneuvers in southern Lebanon. It was late at night in southern Lebanon. Inside the steel cabin of a D9 bulldozer sat the vehicle commander and an HEO operator, with the tanks of the 7th Brigade behind them waiting for clearance. Ahead lay a narrow, steep path along a cliff as the force advanced toward the river and their senses sharpened.In US Policy Concerning Israel, US-Iran MoU gives Tehran time, money, and opportunity to outlast its enemies - editorialAn editorial argues that the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran provides Tehran with time and money to regroup, rebuild, and continue financing its network of proxies across the region. The piece notes that US Vice President JD Vance defended the agreement amid criticism from Israeli ministers, challenging what they would propose instead. The dialogue highlights the tension over how the pact may affect regional dynamics and the balance of power in the Middle East.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Final suspect in 2024 Melbourne synagogue arson case indicted by Australian policeAustralian police announced the indictment of the final suspect in the East Melbourne synagogue arson case. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other officials have linked the attack to Iran’s influence, contributing to the expulsion of Iran’s ambassador and the closure of Australia’s embassy in Tehran. The charges include arson, damage, reckless endangerment of human life, and vehicle theft; terrorism and antisemitism are not listed as direct charges, and the suspect’s name has not been released. A joint counterterrorism task force brought the case, which involved three perpetrators breaking into the synagogue on December 6, 2024.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Florida man indicted for federal hate crimes in attempted mass shooting targeting Jews at AIPACForrest Kendall Pemberton, 27, was indicted on federal hate crime and firearm offenses for allegedly attempting to target Jews at an AIPAC office in Plantation, Florida on December 23, 2024. He is accused of planning the attack because the victims were Jewish and reportedly said he wanted to change the “status quo.” He was arrested on December 25 after law enforcement observed him departing in a vehicle with a rifle case. Three guns, including an AR-15, a Luger pistol, and a Galil rifle, were seized along with ammunition. He faces charges of attempted hate crime, using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a short-barreled rifle.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Confronting antisemitism in Canada requires more than polite acknowledgment - opinionPrime Minister Mark Carney’s remarks addressing antisemitism in Canada acknowledged the problem and the IHRA definition of antisemitism, while critics argue his speech skirted the deeper questions: why antisemitism has surged, how it has mutated, who is fueling it, and what concrete actions will be taken. He warned that Canada’s civic compact is failing Jewish Canadians and stressed the need for clear definitions to identify antisemitism, but detractors say more must be done to address the drivers and the evolving threats facing Jewish communities.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Why Gwyneth Paltrow is the latest victim of the anti-Israel smear machine - opinionAn opinion piece discusses backlash to Gwyneth Paltrow’s association with Israel via a Tel Aviv billboard promoting a new Herzliya development. The author notes Paltrow’s Jewish heritage through her father, Bruce Paltrow, and describes online harassment accusing her of supporting genocide, reflecting broader tensions over how public figures are drawn into debates over Israel. The piece uses the episode to comment on the smear dynamic surrounding Israel and public figures.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-899979https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-899986https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-899987https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-899550https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-899787https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-899985https://t.me/ILtoday/19349